Arsameia
Arsameia (Eski Kâhta)
Summer palace ruins of the Kingdom of Commagene. The best-known features are a relief of a king clasping hands with Heracles and a long tunnel cut into the mountain.
Arsameia lies at the foot of Mount Nemrut, beside the old village of Kahta. It was the summer palace and sanctuary of the Kingdom of Commagene. Along the hillside path you can see the Mithras relief, a tunnel that runs about 158 m into the mountain (entry prohibited), and the best-preserved relief of “King Mithridates (or Antiochus) clasping hands with Heracles.” Beside it, a large Greek inscription records the history of the dynasty. The summit terrace overlooks the New Castle opposite. It is a must-stop on the mountain loop, and allow about 1 hour on foot.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Yeni Kale (Kâhta Castle)
- Cendere Bridge (Severan Bridge)
- Mount Nemrut Summit Statues
- Karakuş Tumulus
- Perre Ancient City
- Adıyaman Archaeological Museum
- Atatürk Dam & Lake